East Rutherford, NJ – The New York Giants have added another piece to their receiving corps, agreeing to a one-year deal with free agent wide receiver Darnell Mooney, sources confirmed Saturday. The contract is worth up to $10 million, providing a potentially valuable addition as the team navigates the recovery of key players and builds for the 2026 NFL season.
Mooney, 28, joins a wide receiver room that already includes Malik Nabers and Darius Slayton. His arrival is particularly timely given Nabers’ ongoing recovery from a torn ACL and meniscus repair sustained earlier in the offseason. The Giants have indicated Nabers is trending toward a return at the start of training camp, but Mooney provides crucial depth and experience during the rehabilitation process.
The Giants have been active in bolstering their receiving unit this offseason, likewise signing former Pittsburgh Steelers slot receiver Calvin Austin and re-signing Gunner Olszewski. These moves signal a clear intent to provide quarterback Jaxson Dart with a diverse and reliable group of targets.
New York’s receiving corps underwent a change earlier this month with the departure of Wan’Dale Robinson, who signed with the Tennessee Titans. Robinson led the Giants in receiving yards during the 2025 season, leaving a void the team is now attempting to fill through free agency and the draft.
This isn’t the first time the Giants have shown interest in Mooney. According to reports, the team had considered acquiring him several years ago before he ultimately signed with the Atlanta Falcons. Mooney was released by Atlanta earlier this offseason after two seasons with the team.
Mooney’s 2025 season with the Falcons was hampered by injuries. He recorded 32 receptions for 443 yards and just one touchdown. A fractured clavicle sustained on the first day of training camp sidelined him for Week 1, and he also missed two additional games due to a hamstring injury. Despite the setbacks, Mooney demonstrated flashes of his potential, building on a strong first season in Atlanta.
In 2024, Mooney enjoyed arguably the best year of his career with the Falcons, forming a productive tandem with receiver Drake London. He tallied 64 catches for 992 yards and a career-high five touchdowns. Atlanta initially acquired Mooney from the Chicago Bears during the 2024 offseason.
Mooney began his NFL journey as a fifth-round pick by the Bears in 2020. He quickly developed into a reliable target, culminating in a breakout 2021 season where he surpassed 1,000 receiving yards with 81 catches for 1,055 yards and four touchdowns. That performance established him as a player with significant upside, and the Giants are hoping he can recapture that form in New York.
The signing of Mooney addresses an immediate need for the Giants, providing a veteran presence and a proven playmaker. His ability to contribute both as a receiver and a potential deep threat will be valuable as the team prepares for the upcoming season. The one-year contract structure also offers flexibility for the Giants, allowing them to evaluate Mooney’s fit within the offense and make future decisions accordingly.
The competition at wide receiver will undoubtedly be fierce during training camp, with Nabers, Slayton, Austin, Olszewski, and now Mooney all vying for playing time. The Giants’ coaching staff will be tasked with effectively utilizing each player’s strengths to maximize the team’s offensive potential.
The addition of Mooney also provides a safety net should Nabers’ recovery grab longer than anticipated. Having a reliable veteran receiver available will be crucial in ensuring the Giants’ passing attack remains effective throughout the season. The team will be closely monitoring Nabers’ progress, but Mooney’s presence offers peace of mind as they navigate the uncertainty surrounding his return.
The Giants’ front office has been proactive in addressing the team’s needs this offseason, and the signing of Darnell Mooney is the latest example of their commitment to building a competitive roster. As the team prepares for training camp, the focus will shift to integrating the new additions and developing a cohesive offensive strategy.
The Giants will open training camp later this summer, with the exact date and location to be announced. Fans will be eager to see Mooney in action and assess his potential impact on the team. The competition at wide receiver promises to be one of the most compelling storylines of the preseason.
Next up for the Giants is the continued monitoring of Malik Nabers’ recovery and the preparation for the NFL Draft, where they will appear to add further talent to their roster. The team is committed to building a sustainable contender, and the signing of Darnell Mooney is a significant step in that direction.
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